We’ve launched a new breastfeeding campaign in Barnsley to celebrate the beauty of breastfeeding and empower parents to feel like they can breastfeed anytime, anywhere.
Data relating to breastfeeding rates in Barnsley from 2022/23 show that by 6-8 weeks, only 33% of mums are continuing to breastfeed, a 28% decrease from the 61% that initially started. Common feelings of nervousness and anxiety around breastfeeding in public have also been identified as barriers to breastfeeding.
The new campaign ‘Breastfeed – Anytime. Anywhere’ aims to tackle these factors by increasing awareness, understanding and acceptance of breastfeeding and its benefits for mum and baby, and the environment. This will help families to make informed decisions around breastfeeding and support those who currently breastfeed to feel confident and capable of doing this in public.
The campaign focuses on eight local mums who volunteered to be photographed and to share their honest and inspiring experiences of their breastfeeding journey while feeding their children. Filmed at The Old George café, Falco Lounge and the Library @ the Lightbox, mums shared their experiences in a few of the many locations in Barnsley that are now signed up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme.
You can hear the mums speak about the benefits they’ve experienced through breastfeeding, and how this has increased their confidence to breastfeed anytime, anywhere on our YouTube Channel.
Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “I would like to personally thank the mums that came forward to be the face of this new campaign. Breastfeeding visibility is just one of the ways that we embrace this natural process in our communities, and by volunteering to be photographed and filmed for this campaign they’ve helped to break down this barrier for other mums.
“I would also like to thank the local businesses in Barnsley, including The Old George café, Falco Lounge and Library @ the Lightbox, who have signed up to be a part of the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme. We’re seeing more and more businesses sign up for the scheme across the town centre and in our communities to help acknowledge the needs of breastfeeding mums and create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
“If you see our new campaign across social media in the coming weeks, please share the message with the hashtag #BreastfeedingBarnsley to show your solidarity and support for breastfeeding in Barnsley - Anytime. Anywhere.”
For a list of Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme locations or to sign up to join the scheme please visit our Infant Feeding webpage.
You can also find information, support and advice around infant feeding, including local breastfeeding groups on our Barnsley Infant Feeding Facebook page, or by calling 01226 775700.
